Gold Star Mother's Day, 1995

Proclamation 6826 of September 21, 1995

Gold Star Mother's Day, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Countless Americans have traveled to Washington, D.C.,
to visit the new Korean War Veterans Memorial and to
pay their respects at the many other monuments honoring
the members of our Armed Forces. These sites are places
for reflection, pride, and patriotism, not only for the
men and women who served and those who lost loved ones,
but also for every citizen who values the sacrifices to
which these monuments bear witness.

As we look upon America's public memorials, we also
remember the unseen tributes that dwell in homes and
hearts across the country--the personal mementos and
memories treasured by mothers who have lost a child in
military service. Our Gold Star Mothers reflect the
legacy of their sons' and daughters' bravery and ensure
that their children will never be forgotten--that their
courage will inspire new generations.

Watching a beloved child go off to war is one of the
hardest things a parent can endure. America's Gold Star
Mothers proudly stood this test and suffered the
terrible anxiety of waiting for word of their loved
ones. Each of these heroic women was also called upon
to bear the greatest hardship of all--the cruel truth
that her son or daughter would never return.

These mothers gave their most cherished gift so that
our Nation could live in liberty and so that people
around the globe could be freed from tyranny and
oppression. And Gold Star Mothers continue a proud
tradition of service, helping veterans with
disabilities through voluntary service in VA medical
facilities. Bringing comfort to those who suffered for
our country, Gold Star Mothers exemplify the gratitude
and honor each citizen owes to America's veterans.

This year, the 50th anniversary of the end of World War
II, evokes many powerful emotions--pride in victory,
sorrow in loss, and hope for a future of world peace.
At times such as these, we join with Gold Star Mothers
in remembering their children's dedication to duty and
their ultimate sacrifice. We pray that these mothers
can find solace in knowing that their sons and
daughters helped to keep the beacon of peace and
freedom burning, lighting the way to a better world.

In recognition of the outstanding courage of our Gold
Star Mothers, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution
115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895), has designated
the last Sunday in September as ``Gold Star Mother's
Day'' and has authorized and requested the President to
issue a proclamation in observance of this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
24, 1995, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon the
American people to observe this day with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor our
Gold Star Mothers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twentieth.